Ena Rosalie Dodson-Kermode

Longtime Cortez resident Ena Rosalie Dodson-Kermode passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at her residence at the age of 92.

A Funeral Mass for Ena will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Cremation will follow the service.

Visitation has been scheduled for Friday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel. A Rosary service will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Ena was born the daughter of Attilio A. and Irene Victoria (Henry) Villa in Leonora, Western Australia on Oct. 28, 1920. She was born minutes after her twin sister, Stella Evangeline. In 1921, she moved to Boulder, Western Australia where she finished her schooling. At the age of 16, she and her twin sister, Stella, had a “lolly” shop near the Main Reef Hotel in Boulder. Ena later went and worked for approximately 2 ½ years at the St. God of John Hospital in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The twins celebrated their 21st birthday at their Aunt Norma’s flat opposite the famous Federal Hotel which was later purchased by their youngest sister, Joan Enrica.

During World War II (approx. 1942) Ena went to Perth, Western Australia and worked in a munitions factory in Welshpool. She also worked at a serviceman’s Recreation Center in Perth where she met her future husband and love of her life, Paul Miles Dodson.

In 1947, Ena sailed on one of the last “Bride Ships” to the USA. She joined Paul in San Francisco and they traveled to Hobbs, N.M. where his parents lived, and were married on March 23.

Ena loved to dance. She danced with Paul in Western Australia when he was stationed there during the war. In later years, she and her second husband, Norman, joined their friends at the Cortez Senior Center’s weekly dances.

She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and creating embroidery pieces. Her family was the main focus in her life. Ena was a gracious and giving person who always put others before herself. She loved the role of hostess and always had a wonderful meal prepared for anyone who came through her door. She loved growing plants, flowers and gardening and was known to have a “green thumb.”

Ena was a 20 year member of the Hospital Auxillary “Pink Ladies” organization. She spent thousands of hours volunteering in the hospital gift shop. She delivered flowers and cards and enjoyed visiting with the patients as she offered the juice cart. Ena held several different positions within the organization. She also contributed many of her handmade items to the gift shop. She was involved in the Catholic Daughter’s organization for many years.

Ena loved traveling back to her homeland of Australia, which she did on several different occasions. She took a family trip in 2003 with her children and grandchildren so they could meet their Australian relatives.

She was often referred to as “Nana” by her grandchildren, and because of her caring nature, this term was adopted by many. Ena was the true epitome of a Christian and lived this throughout her 92 years on this earth, without exception. The world would be a better place if all could live in such a manner.

She had many wonderful caretakers who came into her home and not only cared for her, but loved her. A special thank you goes to the physicians who directed her care. The family extends deep gratitude to Dr. Karla Demby and Dr. Angus McAlpin.

Surviving Ena are her children, Sandra Kaye Morrison and husband Rod of Greeley, Colo., Paul Alan Dodson of Greeley, Colo., and Debra Christine Dodson-Randall and husband Nick of Dolores; and her grandchildren, Kelli Nicole McAllister-Miller and husband Justin of Gill, Colo., Ryan Miles Staats of West Valley City, Utah, Ashley Nicole Staats of Bountiful, Utah, and Sheldon Taylor Randall of Dolores. Ena also leaves behind her siblings, Joan Percy of Claremont, Western Australia, and Paul Stephens and wife Joy of Austin, Texas; her stepdaughter, Karen Schaffer and husband Don of Buena Park, Calif.; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews from the Villa family in Western Australia; and many nieces and nephews of the Dodson family.

Ena was preceded in death by her parents; by her husbands, Paul Miles Dodson and Norman Kermode; by her daughter, Donna Joy Dodson; by an infant daughter, Irene Nell Dodson; and by her siblings, Stella Boyland, Donna Westegaard, and Evelyn Larner.

Memorial contributions in honor of Ena may be made to the Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation at 1311 N. Mildred Rd., Cortez, CO 81321.

Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.